The early years are critical for learning, health and well-being throughout life. Quality early childhood care and education (ECCE) programs, and early child development programs more generally, can ...
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The early years are critical for learning, health and well-being throughout life. Quality early childhood care and education (ECCE) programs, and early child development programs more generally, can have a positive impact on children’s development and their long-term health and educational attainment. Conversely, socioeconomic inequalities in access to ECCE programs can result in lifelong disparities both inside and out of the classroom. This chapter explores how feasible and effective ECCE strategies can give children from all socioeconomic groups the chance to acquire a foundation for lifelong learning and development. It draws on evidence from assessments of developmental health in British Columbia, Canada, using the Early Development Instrument and includes examples of successful ECCE programs in high- and middle-income countries worldwide.Less

Early Childhood Strategies for Closing the Socioeconomic Gap in School Outcomes

Clyde HertzmanLori IrwinArjumand SiddiqiEmily HertzmanZiba Vaghri

Published in print: 2012-02-17

The early years are critical for learning, health and well-being throughout life. Quality early childhood care and education (ECCE) programs, and early child development programs more generally, can have a positive impact on children’s development and their long-term health and educational attainment. Conversely, socioeconomic inequalities in access to ECCE programs can result in lifelong disparities both inside and out of the classroom. This chapter explores how feasible and effective ECCE strategies can give children from all socioeconomic groups the chance to acquire a foundation for lifelong learning and development. It draws on evidence from assessments of developmental health in British Columbia, Canada, using the Early Development Instrument and includes examples of successful ECCE programs in high- and middle-income countries worldwide.

This chapter begins by reviewing the current theory regarding developmental models of crime and delinquency, and issues of persistence and desistance from adolescence into the early adult period. We ...
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This chapter begins by reviewing the current theory regarding developmental models of crime and delinquency, and issues of persistence and desistance from adolescence into the early adult period. We argue that, whereas, the influential life-course persistent versus adolescence-limited model (Moffitt, 1993) has been valuable in summarizing some important features of criminal careers, this two-pathway model is not adequate to explain the heterogeneity that is being detailed in recent studies of crime trajectories into early adulthood. Evidence from the research suggests that persistence of offending into adulthood may be more common than these models predict. Further, early onset, in the data, was associated with both high- and low-level chronic offending. Several studies that employ Oregon Youth Study data are reviewed and a dynamic developmental systems approach to understanding criminal activity during the early adult years is introduced. In this model, persistence and desistance are expected to be influenced by experiences and transitions undergone from the early 20s to the early 30s with a strong emphasis on romantic partner influence.Less

A Dynamic Developmental Systems Approach to Understanding Offending in Early Adulthood

Deborah M. CapaldiMargit Wiesner

Published in print: 2009-01-29

This chapter begins by reviewing the current theory regarding developmental models of crime and delinquency, and issues of persistence and desistance from adolescence into the early adult period. We argue that, whereas, the influential life-course persistent versus adolescence-limited model (Moffitt, 1993) has been valuable in summarizing some important features of criminal careers, this two-pathway model is not adequate to explain the heterogeneity that is being detailed in recent studies of crime trajectories into early adulthood. Evidence from the research suggests that persistence of offending into adulthood may be more common than these models predict. Further, early onset, in the data, was associated with both high- and low-level chronic offending. Several studies that employ Oregon Youth Study data are reviewed and a dynamic developmental systems approach to understanding criminal activity during the early adult years is introduced. In this model, persistence and desistance are expected to be influenced by experiences and transitions undergone from the early 20s to the early 30s with a strong emphasis on romantic partner influence.

Globally, young children bear the greatest burden of poverty, disease, neglect, and lack of educational opportunities. This volume’s goal is to promote evidence-based policies for advancing the ...
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Globally, young children bear the greatest burden of poverty, disease, neglect, and lack of educational opportunities. This volume’s goal is to promote evidence-based policies for advancing the positive development of young children everywhere, with a specific focus on developing countries. It brings scientific knowledge about early child development in both developed and developing countries to bear on international programs and policies that affect young children and families, focusing on the whole child. The evidence framework is presented from multiple disciplinary and analytical perspectives. The volume includes traditional sectoral approaches (e.g., health, nutrition, and education), as well as newer sectors such as child protection, social assistance, and child rights; and it addresses nongovernmental actors, such as community- and faith-based agencies, nonprint media, and the private sector. The volume also focuses on the “how to” of using evidence to address the greatest challenges to program quality, sustainability, and “scaling up"—the challenges of capacity building, governance, and finance. Also presented is a clear set of recommendations for future research, policy, and programmatic directions for the field, addressing not only the implications of evidence, but also recognizing the importance of including families and serving vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. The comprehensive nature of this book and its compelling use of evidence are thanks to its contributors—researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world—and its organizational sponsorship by the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), both leading organizations in promoting children’s well-being.Less

Handbook of Early Childhood Development Research and Its Impact on Global Policy

Published in print: 2013-01-15

Globally, young children bear the greatest burden of poverty, disease, neglect, and lack of educational opportunities. This volume’s goal is to promote evidence-based policies for advancing the positive development of young children everywhere, with a specific focus on developing countries. It brings scientific knowledge about early child development in both developed and developing countries to bear on international programs and policies that affect young children and families, focusing on the whole child. The evidence framework is presented from multiple disciplinary and analytical perspectives. The volume includes traditional sectoral approaches (e.g., health, nutrition, and education), as well as newer sectors such as child protection, social assistance, and child rights; and it addresses nongovernmental actors, such as community- and faith-based agencies, nonprint media, and the private sector. The volume also focuses on the “how to” of using evidence to address the greatest challenges to program quality, sustainability, and “scaling up"—the challenges of capacity building, governance, and finance. Also presented is a clear set of recommendations for future research, policy, and programmatic directions for the field, addressing not only the implications of evidence, but also recognizing the importance of including families and serving vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. The comprehensive nature of this book and its compelling use of evidence are thanks to its contributors—researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world—and its organizational sponsorship by the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), both leading organizations in promoting children’s well-being.

One of the largest challenges in improving the quality of early childhood development (ECD) programs and policies is service provider capacity. Often, programs cannot be implemented because of ...
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One of the largest challenges in improving the quality of early childhood development (ECD) programs and policies is service provider capacity. Often, programs cannot be implemented because of limited ability for service provision. This commentary provides examples of training models that can use indigenous approaches to child development to create opportunities to build capacity in ECD in low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries. With an emphasis on higher learning, and using examples from Africa, this commentary provides useful recommendations for other regions and countries interested in building ECD capacity.Less

Closing Commentary : implications for capacity

Aster Haregot

Published in print: 2013-01-15

One of the largest challenges in improving the quality of early childhood development (ECD) programs and policies is service provider capacity. Often, programs cannot be implemented because of limited ability for service provision. This commentary provides examples of training models that can use indigenous approaches to child development to create opportunities to build capacity in ECD in low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries. With an emphasis on higher learning, and using examples from Africa, this commentary provides useful recommendations for other regions and countries interested in building ECD capacity.

This introductory chapter has been designed to provide a broad definition of early childhood development (ECD) and a detailed description of the conceptual organizing framework of the volume. The ...
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This introductory chapter has been designed to provide a broad definition of early childhood development (ECD) and a detailed description of the conceptual organizing framework of the volume. The definition of ECD is both comprehensive and multidisciplinary, in keeping with the tone and contributions to the volume. The framework has been designed with consideration of the global implications for ECD programs and policies. This introductory chapter provides a brief overview and description of every chapter in the book by section, including the commentaries.Less

Early Childhood Development : translating research to global policy

Patrice L. EnglePia Rebello BrittoCharles M. Super

Published in print: 2013-01-15

This introductory chapter has been designed to provide a broad definition of early childhood development (ECD) and a detailed description of the conceptual organizing framework of the volume. The definition of ECD is both comprehensive and multidisciplinary, in keeping with the tone and contributions to the volume. The framework has been designed with consideration of the global implications for ECD programs and policies. This introductory chapter provides a brief overview and description of every chapter in the book by section, including the commentaries.

The health sector plays a critical role in early childhood development (ECD), defined by the global goals of supporting child well-being, reaching the youngest children, and advancing other goals of ...
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The health sector plays a critical role in early childhood development (ECD), defined by the global goals of supporting child well-being, reaching the youngest children, and advancing other goals of the health sector. This chapter outlines actions that should be taken by the health sector for all children’s development (promotive care), children at developmental risk (preventative care), and children with special needs (curative care), both overall and differentially by child age, and it presents evidence for their effectiveness. Finally, the paper describes actions to be taken by governments and civil society to scale up interventions in the health sector to promote ECD and presents case studies from Jamaica, China, and Brazil. These actions include not only accepting global goals for ECD, but also appropriate government actions; training and capacity development; sector linkages; national and local collaboration (including support of local issues and demands); and monitoring, evaluation, and research.Less

The Role of the Health Sector in Early Childhood Development

Patrice L. EngleMary E. YoungGiorgio Tamburlini

Published in print: 2013-01-15

The health sector plays a critical role in early childhood development (ECD), defined by the global goals of supporting child well-being, reaching the youngest children, and advancing other goals of the health sector. This chapter outlines actions that should be taken by the health sector for all children’s development (promotive care), children at developmental risk (preventative care), and children with special needs (curative care), both overall and differentially by child age, and it presents evidence for their effectiveness. Finally, the paper describes actions to be taken by governments and civil society to scale up interventions in the health sector to promote ECD and presents case studies from Jamaica, China, and Brazil. These actions include not only accepting global goals for ECD, but also appropriate government actions; training and capacity development; sector linkages; national and local collaboration (including support of local issues and demands); and monitoring, evaluation, and research.

Over 200 million children from low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries show compromised neural, cognitive, and social-emotional functioning due to exposure to preventable developmental risks. ...
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Over 200 million children from low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries show compromised neural, cognitive, and social-emotional functioning due to exposure to preventable developmental risks. Understanding how exposure to developmental risks adversely influences child functioning is complex. The impact of developmental risks varies, depending upon many factors, including the extent and type of protective influences children encounter. Because risk factors often cluster, children living in poverty have particularly high exposure to cumulative bioecological and psychosocial developmental risks. This has clear evidence-based implications for intervention programs to promote the development of such children, including starting interventions early in life; designing integrated bioecological and psychosocial interventions; targeting specific risks that increase the likelihood of exposure to additional risks (maternal depression); promoting exposure to specific protective influences that increase the likelihood of exposure to additional protective influences (maternal education); and identifying societal, community, and individual characteristics that can weaken the impact of interventions.Less

The Nature and Impact of Risk and Protective Influences on Children’s Development in Low-Income Countries

Theodore D. WachsAtif Rahman

Published in print: 2013-01-15

Over 200 million children from low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries show compromised neural, cognitive, and social-emotional functioning due to exposure to preventable developmental risks. Understanding how exposure to developmental risks adversely influences child functioning is complex. The impact of developmental risks varies, depending upon many factors, including the extent and type of protective influences children encounter. Because risk factors often cluster, children living in poverty have particularly high exposure to cumulative bioecological and psychosocial developmental risks. This has clear evidence-based implications for intervention programs to promote the development of such children, including starting interventions early in life; designing integrated bioecological and psychosocial interventions; targeting specific risks that increase the likelihood of exposure to additional risks (maternal depression); promoting exposure to specific protective influences that increase the likelihood of exposure to additional protective influences (maternal education); and identifying societal, community, and individual characteristics that can weaken the impact of interventions.

In most countries, the social protection and welfare system is directly responsible for addressing issues of destitution, poverty, and risk management. Currently, an undesirable gap exists between ...
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In most countries, the social protection and welfare system is directly responsible for addressing issues of destitution, poverty, and risk management. Currently, an undesirable gap exists between traditional policies in social protection and the need to make specific provision for early childhood. This chapter helps close this gap, hoping to enhance the interest and ability of social protection systems to effectively address serious constraints on early childhood development (ECD) caused by long-term poverty, income instability, and adverse shocks. Specifically, the chapter describes the recent history and multiple functions of social protection and explains their importance to ECD; identifies critical challenges to and promising practices in closing the gap between social protection and ECD; and analyzes and discusses key issues requiring new research initiatives (research agenda) and/or immediate cross-system collaboration (policy agenda) to advance the capacity of social protection systems to protect and promote ECD.Less

Social Protection and Welfare Systems : implications for early childhood development

Lawrence AberLinda BierstekerAndrew DawesLaura Rawlings

Published in print: 2013-01-15

In most countries, the social protection and welfare system is directly responsible for addressing issues of destitution, poverty, and risk management. Currently, an undesirable gap exists between traditional policies in social protection and the need to make specific provision for early childhood. This chapter helps close this gap, hoping to enhance the interest and ability of social protection systems to effectively address serious constraints on early childhood development (ECD) caused by long-term poverty, income instability, and adverse shocks. Specifically, the chapter describes the recent history and multiple functions of social protection and explains their importance to ECD; identifies critical challenges to and promising practices in closing the gap between social protection and ECD; and analyzes and discusses key issues requiring new research initiatives (research agenda) and/or immediate cross-system collaboration (policy agenda) to advance the capacity of social protection systems to protect and promote ECD.

This chapter identifies emerging paradigm shifts for research that can address the next generation of practice and policy questions in early childhood development (ECD) in low- and middle-income ...
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This chapter identifies emerging paradigm shifts for research that can address the next generation of practice and policy questions in early childhood development (ECD) in low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries. We discuss new developments in approaches to considering equity; quality and its improvement; the multisectoral nature of ECD programs and policies; and the development of research capacity. In each section, we identify underlying tensions and challenges in the global ECD context, paying particular attention to issues of inequity, social exclusion, and cultural diversity, and we highlight innovative directions and initiatives. We conclude that the promise of expanding both knowledge bases and programs and policies in ECD across LAMI countries requires new approaches to examining patterns of inclusion, exclusion, and cultural specificity, as well as partnerships among researchers, practitioners, caregivers, community members, and policymakers.Less

Paradigm Shifts and New Directions in Research on Early Childhood Development Programs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Hirokazu YoshikawaAna María Nieto

Published in print: 2013-01-15

This chapter identifies emerging paradigm shifts for research that can address the next generation of practice and policy questions in early childhood development (ECD) in low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries. We discuss new developments in approaches to considering equity; quality and its improvement; the multisectoral nature of ECD programs and policies; and the development of research capacity. In each section, we identify underlying tensions and challenges in the global ECD context, paying particular attention to issues of inequity, social exclusion, and cultural diversity, and we highlight innovative directions and initiatives. We conclude that the promise of expanding both knowledge bases and programs and policies in ECD across LAMI countries requires new approaches to examining patterns of inclusion, exclusion, and cultural specificity, as well as partnerships among researchers, practitioners, caregivers, community members, and policymakers.

International declarations and conventions play a unique role in global development by promoting human rights through principles of equality and nondiscrimination. They establish standards and ...
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International declarations and conventions play a unique role in global development by promoting human rights through principles of equality and nondiscrimination. They establish standards and expectations for development for the world community and set benchmarks against which country-level progress is charted and compared. The science of early childhood development (ECD) is rapidly emerging as a focus of international attention. Although young children are mentioned in these global documents, no systematic examination has been made of how they are presented. In considering this question, it is important to distinguish between statements concerning children as intrinsically valuable humans, important in their own right and deserving of services, and children as instrumentally valuable, an important locus of investment due to their future contribution to society. This chapter provides a clear understanding of how rarely ECD is reflected in international declarations and conventions and how ECD evidence must be translated and effectively communicated to inform both global and national policies.Less

Global Policy Landscape and Early Childhood Development

Pia Rebello BrittoNurper UlkuerWilliam P. HodgesMichael F. McCarthy

Published in print: 2013-01-15

International declarations and conventions play a unique role in global development by promoting human rights through principles of equality and nondiscrimination. They establish standards and expectations for development for the world community and set benchmarks against which country-level progress is charted and compared. The science of early childhood development (ECD) is rapidly emerging as a focus of international attention. Although young children are mentioned in these global documents, no systematic examination has been made of how they are presented. In considering this question, it is important to distinguish between statements concerning children as intrinsically valuable humans, important in their own right and deserving of services, and children as instrumentally valuable, an important locus of investment due to their future contribution to society. This chapter provides a clear understanding of how rarely ECD is reflected in international declarations and conventions and how ECD evidence must be translated and effectively communicated to inform both global and national policies.

The last two decades have witnessed unparalleled international interest regarding the development of policies and programs for young children. This chapter places the contemporary discourse into the ...
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The last two decades have witnessed unparalleled international interest regarding the development of policies and programs for young children. This chapter places the contemporary discourse into the historical and sociophilosophical contexts that have shaped it. Although the current discourse is impressive, the relative absence of literatures led from the majority (developing) world, and those that utilize critical lenses, restrict the generalizability of the findings. To develop a literature that is more relevant and useful for populations globally, other voices and perspectives must be supported and heard. After introducing examples of such other perspectives that can help broaden and deepen the literature, the chapter identifies policies, programs, research, and training approaches that have opened up to diverse perspectives and promoted local participation and decision making. Such means of opening to other views and becoming more truly global in nature are considered critically important for the future of ECD in international development.Less

Voices Less Heard : the importance of critical and “indigenous” perspectives

Alan Pence

Published in print: 2013-01-15

The last two decades have witnessed unparalleled international interest regarding the development of policies and programs for young children. This chapter places the contemporary discourse into the historical and sociophilosophical contexts that have shaped it. Although the current discourse is impressive, the relative absence of literatures led from the majority (developing) world, and those that utilize critical lenses, restrict the generalizability of the findings. To develop a literature that is more relevant and useful for populations globally, other voices and perspectives must be supported and heard. After introducing examples of such other perspectives that can help broaden and deepen the literature, the chapter identifies policies, programs, research, and training approaches that have opened up to diverse perspectives and promoted local participation and decision making. Such means of opening to other views and becoming more truly global in nature are considered critically important for the future of ECD in international development.

The closing commentary focuses attention on the future of early childhood development (ECD) in the global development agenda by drawing on the rich and varied evidence presented in the volume. The ...
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The closing commentary focuses attention on the future of early childhood development (ECD) in the global development agenda by drawing on the rich and varied evidence presented in the volume. The current state of developmental science, globalization, and ECD knowledge is described. Forecasted is a set of paradigms that will be influential and important in the coming decades, including the growing value of evidence and science for policy; the presence of human rights as an important argument for investment in ECD; and the integration of systems, services, and families in effectively improving child outcomes. The closing commentary provides a hope for the future of ECD globally.Less

Closing Commentary the future of early childhood development in the global development agenda

Charles M. SuperPia Rebello BrittoPatrice L. Engle

Published in print: 2013-01-15

The closing commentary focuses attention on the future of early childhood development (ECD) in the global development agenda by drawing on the rich and varied evidence presented in the volume. The current state of developmental science, globalization, and ECD knowledge is described. Forecasted is a set of paradigms that will be influential and important in the coming decades, including the growing value of evidence and science for policy; the presence of human rights as an important argument for investment in ECD; and the integration of systems, services, and families in effectively improving child outcomes. The closing commentary provides a hope for the future of ECD globally.

This introductory commentary informs a broad understanding of the basic science of early childhood and early brain development, and its foundational importance for guiding productive public and ...
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This introductory commentary informs a broad understanding of the basic science of early childhood and early brain development, and its foundational importance for guiding productive public and private sector policies to address the needs of young children and their families. The chapter helps bridge the divide between investments focused on child survival and those focused on child development, with the aim of illustrating the complementary nature of these two imperatives—survival and development—and explaining how both can be advanced through an integrated strategy driven by a set of core developmental concepts supported by research in neuroscience, developmental psychology, and the economics of human capital formation. The primary objective is to demonstrate the overlapping features of effective interventions that save children’s lives and those that maximize their later health and developmental potential, and to underscore how this artificial division is transcended by advances in the developmental sciences.Less

The Powerful Reach of Early Childhood Development : a science-based foundation for sound investment

Jack P. ShonkoffLinda Richter

Published in print: 2013-01-15

This introductory commentary informs a broad understanding of the basic science of early childhood and early brain development, and its foundational importance for guiding productive public and private sector policies to address the needs of young children and their families. The chapter helps bridge the divide between investments focused on child survival and those focused on child development, with the aim of illustrating the complementary nature of these two imperatives—survival and development—and explaining how both can be advanced through an integrated strategy driven by a set of core developmental concepts supported by research in neuroscience, developmental psychology, and the economics of human capital formation. The primary objective is to demonstrate the overlapping features of effective interventions that save children’s lives and those that maximize their later health and developmental potential, and to underscore how this artificial division is transcended by advances in the developmental sciences.

The number of neurons constituting the brain is a direct reflection of the number of cells produced during early development. This chapter discusses the effects of ethanol on spatiotemporal patterns ...
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The number of neurons constituting the brain is a direct reflection of the number of cells produced during early development. This chapter discusses the effects of ethanol on spatiotemporal patterns and systems regarding cell proliferation. During development more neurons are produced than the number comprising the mature brain. A “correction” occurs through the natural death of many neurons.Less

Early Exposure to Ethanol Affects the Proliferation of Neuronal Precursors

Michael W. Miller

Published in print: 2006-05-25

The number of neurons constituting the brain is a direct reflection of the number of cells produced during early development. This chapter discusses the effects of ethanol on spatiotemporal patterns and systems regarding cell proliferation. During development more neurons are produced than the number comprising the mature brain. A “correction” occurs through the natural death of many neurons.

This book presents an exegesis of research and theory concerning the emergence and development of declarative, long-term memory from birth through early adolescence. The book also contains a ...
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This book presents an exegesis of research and theory concerning the emergence and development of declarative, long-term memory from birth through early adolescence. The book also contains a presentation of a theory that memory is an adaptive mechanism that is used to guide the development and survival of the organism in an initially novel, yet changing environment. The book is divided into four parts. The first part discusses why memory development is important; the second discusses infantile amnesia and autobiographical memory; the third explores a series of key factors that have an impact on early memory development—distinctiveness, emotion, stress, and early memory; and finally, the fourth part gives a detailed presentation of the theory of memory as an adaptation, and applies results to real-world problems. In addition to reviewing the basic-science research on both humans and nonhuman animals, the book is devotes a large portion to clinical and forensic topics, including examining the roles of stress and trauma in memory development, the development of false recollection, memory for traumatic experiences, the effects of depression, PTSD, and dissociation on early memory development, and nonhuman animal research on the nature of infantile amnesia.Less

The Nature of Early Memory : An Adaptive Theory of the Genesis and Development of Memory

Mark L. Howe

Published in print: 2011-04-06

This book presents an exegesis of research and theory concerning the emergence and development of declarative, long-term memory from birth through early adolescence. The book also contains a presentation of a theory that memory is an adaptive mechanism that is used to guide the development and survival of the organism in an initially novel, yet changing environment. The book is divided into four parts. The first part discusses why memory development is important; the second discusses infantile amnesia and autobiographical memory; the third explores a series of key factors that have an impact on early memory development—distinctiveness, emotion, stress, and early memory; and finally, the fourth part gives a detailed presentation of the theory of memory as an adaptation, and applies results to real-world problems. In addition to reviewing the basic-science research on both humans and nonhuman animals, the book is devotes a large portion to clinical and forensic topics, including examining the roles of stress and trauma in memory development, the development of false recollection, memory for traumatic experiences, the effects of depression, PTSD, and dissociation on early memory development, and nonhuman animal research on the nature of infantile amnesia.

A learning crisis exists, despite almost universal school enrollment. Learning failure is concentrated in the first years of school, and reinforces patterns of social and economic inequities. Poor ...
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A learning crisis exists, despite almost universal school enrollment. Learning failure is concentrated in the first years of school, and reinforces patterns of social and economic inequities. Poor and minority children who would benefit most from preschool are least likely to have access to it; they are also less likely to have access to primary schools that speak their language, orient them to literacy, have good teachers, and use developmentally appropriate methods and learning materials. This chapter uses an early childhood development (ECD) lens to examine the state of preprimary and early primary (grades 1 and 2) education today, and to discuss the effects, implications, and potential for education to improve the development of children 4–8 years old.Less

Education-Based Approaches to Early Childhood Development

Chloe O’Gara

Published in print: 2013-01-15

A learning crisis exists, despite almost universal school enrollment. Learning failure is concentrated in the first years of school, and reinforces patterns of social and economic inequities. Poor and minority children who would benefit most from preschool are least likely to have access to it; they are also less likely to have access to primary schools that speak their language, orient them to literacy, have good teachers, and use developmentally appropriate methods and learning materials. This chapter uses an early childhood development (ECD) lens to examine the state of preprimary and early primary (grades 1 and 2) education today, and to discuss the effects, implications, and potential for education to improve the development of children 4–8 years old.

Holistic development comes as a result of good health, nutrition, early stimulation, positive social and emotional interactions with significant adults/caregivers, play, learning opportunities, and ...
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Holistic development comes as a result of good health, nutrition, early stimulation, positive social and emotional interactions with significant adults/caregivers, play, learning opportunities, and protection from violence. Coordinating these sectors in policy development and implementation is essential for ensuring holistic child development and efficient use of national resources. The presence of a national agency will ensure that all programs maintain a unified pedagogy that guarantees the holistic approach, continuity, and reliability of these programs and allows the smooth transition of children from one program or stage to another. This chapter examines the effectiveness of the Jordanian National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA)’s work in the field of early childhood and analyzes those factors and roles that contribute to or hinder the operation of a national agency.Less

National Agency Systems

Maha B. HomsiLara A. Hussein

Published in print: 2013-01-15

Holistic development comes as a result of good health, nutrition, early stimulation, positive social and emotional interactions with significant adults/caregivers, play, learning opportunities, and protection from violence. Coordinating these sectors in policy development and implementation is essential for ensuring holistic child development and efficient use of national resources. The presence of a national agency will ensure that all programs maintain a unified pedagogy that guarantees the holistic approach, continuity, and reliability of these programs and allows the smooth transition of children from one program or stage to another. This chapter examines the effectiveness of the Jordanian National Council for Family Affairs (NCFA)’s work in the field of early childhood and analyzes those factors and roles that contribute to or hinder the operation of a national agency.

This commentary draws on the critical evidence presented in the volume to provide recommendations for governments, nongovernmental organizations, and international development agencies to implement ...
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This commentary draws on the critical evidence presented in the volume to provide recommendations for governments, nongovernmental organizations, and international development agencies to implement quality early childhood development (ECD) programs and policies. The commentary provides an overview of the multiple global, regional, and national actors who have been involved in ECD, and their roles thus far in promoting programs and policies. The commentary makes a strong claim for the need for evidence to guide the actions of these key partners and suggests that this volume could serve as one such guide. In particular, the commentary stresses the importance of this evidence in ensuring that ECD is featured on the post-2015 international development agenda.Less

Closing Commentary : implications for development

Deepa Grover

Published in print: 2013-01-15

This commentary draws on the critical evidence presented in the volume to provide recommendations for governments, nongovernmental organizations, and international development agencies to implement quality early childhood development (ECD) programs and policies. The commentary provides an overview of the multiple global, regional, and national actors who have been involved in ECD, and their roles thus far in promoting programs and policies. The commentary makes a strong claim for the need for evidence to guide the actions of these key partners and suggests that this volume could serve as one such guide. In particular, the commentary stresses the importance of this evidence in ensuring that ECD is featured on the post-2015 international development agenda.

This chapter argues that families, rather than individual children, need to be the targets for efforts to mitigate the effects of HIV and AIDS on children. First, families in all their diversity have ...
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This chapter argues that families, rather than individual children, need to be the targets for efforts to mitigate the effects of HIV and AIDS on children. First, families in all their diversity have evolved for the care and protection of children, and children grow and develop optimally in supportive family environments. Second, HIV and AIDS affect families specifically, and severely challenge their capacity. To date, though, efforts to assist children affected by HIV/AIDS have tended to be individualistic, focusing on orphaned children and using a case management and social welfare approach. The chapter further argues that provisions that directly assist families such as cash transfers, early child development services, after-school care, and home-based support need to be expanded beyond the levels of projects and programs, to become entitlements of all families in their efforts to care for children.Less

The Central Role of Families in the Lives of Children Affected by AIDS

Linda M Richter

Published in print: 2012-02-10

This chapter argues that families, rather than individual children, need to be the targets for efforts to mitigate the effects of HIV and AIDS on children. First, families in all their diversity have evolved for the care and protection of children, and children grow and develop optimally in supportive family environments. Second, HIV and AIDS affect families specifically, and severely challenge their capacity. To date, though, efforts to assist children affected by HIV/AIDS have tended to be individualistic, focusing on orphaned children and using a case management and social welfare approach. The chapter further argues that provisions that directly assist families such as cash transfers, early child development services, after-school care, and home-based support need to be expanded beyond the levels of projects and programs, to become entitlements of all families in their efforts to care for children.

This chapter examines trends in early childhood development (ECD) programmes in Latin America and their relevance to the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the region. It begins ...
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This chapter examines trends in early childhood development (ECD) programmes in Latin America and their relevance to the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the region. It begins with a theoretical background on ECD policies, including child protection policies, the ‘ecological’ approach to ECD programmes, how such programmes seek to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty, and their emphasis on the ‘vital cycle’ approach. It then considers some conditioning factors for child development before turning to the monitoring and tracking system of Chile Crece Contigo (ChCC), an early childhood development programme in Chile. It also discusses parenting stimulation as a component of ECD programmes in Jamaica.Less

Ideas from early childhood development approaches to contribute to Millennium Development Goals’ achievements in Latin America1

Laura Agosta

Published in print: 2017-09-20

This chapter examines trends in early childhood development (ECD) programmes in Latin America and their relevance to the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the region. It begins with a theoretical background on ECD policies, including child protection policies, the ‘ecological’ approach to ECD programmes, how such programmes seek to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty, and their emphasis on the ‘vital cycle’ approach. It then considers some conditioning factors for child development before turning to the monitoring and tracking system of Chile Crece Contigo (ChCC), an early childhood development programme in Chile. It also discusses parenting stimulation as a component of ECD programmes in Jamaica.